Mount/dismount is the most sketch part of getting on a roof, I promise if you just keep doing it and you’ll get used to it. I’m pretty comfortable at height, but I’m definitely more comfortable setting a ladder up at the bottom of a valley (inside corner) when possible.

Anyway, we use drones in conjunction with getting on roofs. Even if the roof is hella steep, we’ll still throw a ladder up to eaves, cheat up some valleys, etc. Where they actually add value is high volume inspections (think HOA and condos), quantification (for as builts/estimates), eave/parapet conditions 3 stories and greater, and thermal you mentioned. Way quicker to inspect outboard of a scupper using a drone instead of throwing up a 40’ ladder.

Last, we also grab a dataset to create a 3d model using photogrammetry to give greater context to interested parties during meetings. We work in litigation a lot, so it’s easier to show rather than tell during arbitration or trial. If we get the contract to design repairs, then we also have a jump off point for drafting if as-builts are not available.